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Questions about health clearance testing ???

Wanting to start the process of getting my BLF health clearances, and not sure were to start ! I stopped by my regular vet yesterday to ask if they knew about the processes, and if they could do the cheek swabs or blood draws, and they had no idea what I was talking about, and had never even heard of these test (Staff at front desk). They went and asked the vet which was in back, and said that there was obvious no problem drawing blood or doing swabs, and thats all the answers I got.

BUT I am not sure on the whole process, and even were to send the stuff once it's collected ! Can someone point me in the right direction, and what I need to do ?

You will want to get hips and elbows x rayed. eyes certified. EIC and CNM tested(these are collapse genes). The CNM comes from France and your vet will have to swab your dog and certify that he/she was the one that did it.

You need a variety of DNA tests if you plan to breed your dog at some time. Hips, elbows, and eyes are standard whether you are breeding or not. You need to hold up both ends of your dog and know that their eyes are normal without cataracts or scaring or other problems. Some dogs with poor hips/elbows can have a comfortable retrieving life but you would not want to breed.

The two main DNA tests you need are EIC (exercises induced collapse) and CNM.(centronuculear myopathy). Directions for each are a little different as to how to get the submission form. There is a web site for each. CNM provides a kit . EIC does not send a kit.
CNM is www.labradorcnm.com
EIC is http://www.vdl.umn.edu/ourservices/c...omuscular/eic/
In both of these diseases, the above links are where the DNA PhD scientists are located that identified the specific disease mutation. They know the most about the disease.
Of the dogs tested for CNM about 16-18% are identified as carriers. If affected (both parents carriers) CNM shows up before six months.
Of the dogs tested for EIC the percent is a little higher but I don't have exact number. Affected EIC might show up early or might not have symptoms until a few years old.

Carriers are where only one side of parents have a copy of the mutation. Carriers show no symptoms at any time in their lives. It takes both parents being a carrier of either disease to have any of the pups have the disease.

Blood is not needed. Cheek swabs are easy to do (directions are provided by both locations) and are non-invasive or not painful

Ask the breeder of your dog what clearances the parents have. This won't give you a firm answer about your dog but will get you started on the conversation and planning.

The eye exam is also a potential deal breaker and the cheapest of all the tests with results known instantly- but need to be done by an AVCO certified eye specialist vet. Whenever possible, I do clearances in this order: EYES - CERF or OFA exam (the AVCO vet that does the exam will have the forms and will tell you where to submit the results)
Then Hips/elbows (after 2 years of age for official 'final' rating)
If all of those are passing, then the following DNA tests, which are not 'pass or fail' but provide information on how to plan safe breedings:
EIC test -from the University of Minnesota http://www.vdl.umn.edu/ourservices/c...omuscular/eic/ which can be a cheek swab or blood sample (have your vet do it for the highest security rating)
CNM Test through the university of Alfort in France http://www.labradorcnm.com/ - cheek swab, need to order the test kit ahead of time
prcd-PRA and RD-OSD - these are pricey so I wait for sale days at Optigen to get the best deal - http://www.optigen.com/ - cheek swab or blood test.

Absolutely! I knew I was missing one! was thinking and thinking and could not come up with it , scary......

Originally Posted by Erin Lynes

The eye exam is also a potential deal breaker and the cheapest of all the tests with results known instantly- but need to be done by an AVCO certified eye specialist vet. Whenever possible, I do clearances in this order: EYES - CERF or OFA exam (the AVCO vet that does the exam will have the forms and will tell you where to submit the results)
Then Hips/elbows (after 2 years of age for official 'final' rating)
If all of those are passing, then the following DNA tests, which are not 'pass or fail' but provide information on how to plan safe breedings:
EIC test -from the University of Minnesota http://www.vdl.umn.edu/ourservices/c...omuscular/eic/ which can be a cheek swab or blood sample (have your vet do it for the highest security rating)
CNM Test through the university of Alfort in France http://www.labradorcnm.com/ - cheek swab, need to order the test kit ahead of time
prcd-PRA and RD-OSD - these are pricey so I wait for sale days at Optigen to get the best deal - http://www.optigen.com/ - cheek swab or blood test.

The eye exam is also a potential deal breaker and the cheapest of all the tests with results known instantly- but need to be done by an AVCO certified eye specialist vet. Whenever possible, I do clearances in this order: EYES - CERF or OFA exam (the AVCO vet that does the exam will have the forms and will tell you where to submit the results)
Then Hips/elbows (after 2 years of age for official 'final' rating)
If all of those are passing, then the following DNA tests, which are not 'pass or fail' but provide information on how to plan safe breedings:
EIC test -from the University of Minnesota http://www.vdl.umn.edu/ourservices/c...omuscular/eic/ which can be a cheek swab or blood sample (have your vet do it for the highest security rating)
CNM Test through the university of Alfort in France http://www.labradorcnm.com/ - cheek swab, need to order the test kit ahead of time
prcd-PRA and RD-OSD - these are pricey so I wait for sale days at Optigen to get the best deal - http://www.optigen.com/ - cheek swab or blood test.